Kettleborough Set to Make History in Grenada Test

GRENADA: Richard Kettleborough is poised to become the most experienced English on-field umpire in Test cricket. He is scheduled to officiate his 93rd match during the second Test between the West Indies and Australia, which commences on Friday in Grenada.

The 52-year-old is set to surpass his former mentor, David Shepherd, and secure sixth place on the all-time list of Test match umpires.

Kettleborough shared his sentiments with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), describing the upcoming milestone as a “tremendous honor.”

“I never actually believed this would occur, and I am extremely appreciative of what I have accomplished,” Kettleborough mentioned.

“Being able to go beyond the late David Shepherd – someone I looked up to quite a bit growing up – is something I will always cherish.”

“Shep always advised me that as long as you could look at yourself following a day’s play and honestly say you made judgments based on what you saw, you should have a clear conscience. I can honestly declare that I have applied that in every game throughout my career.”

Kettleborough’s journey as a Test umpire commenced 15 years ago in Galle, Sri Lanka. He now has his sights set on another milestone: becoming the first Englishman to umpire 100 Test matches.

“I’ve always regarded Test cricket as the highest level of the sport,” he stated.

“Therefore, reaching 100 on-field Test matches would represent the ultimate achievement.”

The record for most Tests officiated belongs to Pakistan’s Aleem Dar, who has overseen 145 matches.